Have A Sigh Of Relief: This Trend Says Not Everything Needs To Be Organized

Since Marie Kondo transformed our homes and became a global phenomenon in the 2010s, neatness and tidiness have ruled interior design. Minimalist aesthetics and Instagram-worthy spaces with no clutter were, for a while, the pinnacle of home life. However, keeping this up is kind of exhausting. We live in our homes, and this means that they are full of things, from piles of books you have been meaning to read to oddly crafted animals that your kid made out of pipe cleaners one rainy Sunday afternoon. Thankfully, the trends are changing, and it turns out not everything needs to be organized. Recently, lived-in, messy spaces have really inspired interior designers as they create homes that feel personalized, warm, and inviting. Phew! We were all waiting for mess to be in fashion, right?!

There are a few reasons the lived-in, messy interior aesthetic is becoming increasingly popular. Firstly, there is an element of rejection within it. When our social media feeds are full of showroom homes and influencers promoting their tidy, clean spaces, it can feel unachievable. While speaking with Vogue, designer Lucy Hammond Giles echoed this sentiment, saying, "there's a real upswell of people showing their rooms as they're actually used and lived-in." This balances out those more formal images we often see.

Furthermore, lived-in spaces are usually more inviting. Perfect, pristine rooms can feel a bit cold, whereas messy, imperfect homes are inviting you in, asking you to settle down and have some fun. People tend not to feel as relaxed if they are worried about spilling something or dirtying the carpet. But when our homes tell stories of parties, conversations, and family, people want to come in and enjoy the space. 

Thankfully, this trend doesn't require a major interior design overhaul. You just need to live in your home and bring things in that feel cozy, inviting, and warm. It is helpful to see interior design as a life-long process with this style, as the lived-in aesthetic should tell a story of who lives there and special moments that have happened within the home. Don't focus too much on curating a sleek, on-point interior; bring in things you love and that feel personal to you. Leave those homemade cards up on your mantelpiece, and buy that forgotten thrift-store find you kind of love. Your home is yours — allow it to be.

Another easy way to make your home feel lived in is through the textiles that you incorporate. By mixing finishes, using natural textiles, and layering different textures, you can add depth, movement, and warmth to your space. Tangible things that you want to touch, like cozy blankets or grasscloth wallpaper, make your home inviting and really nail that lived-in look. 

Other ways to work with this trend are by mixing eras and interior design styles, blending old and new furniture, and forgoing symmetry. Always think — does this look too perfect? Does this actually reflect me? By embracing different styles and leaving a bit of clutter here and there, you can curate the perfect lived-in home.